NTSB Factual Report

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On June 18, 2007, approximately 0855 central daylight time, a single-engine Frew Zodiac 601XL homebuilt airplane, N20370, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Oxford, Mississippi. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was seriously injured. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 234-nautical mile cross-country flight that originated from the Merkel Field Sylacauga Municipal Airport (SCD), near Sylacauga, Alabama, and was destined for the Thompson-Robbins Airport (HEE), near Helena, Arkansas. A visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91personal flight.

In a telephone interview with the NTSB Investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that he had just purchased the airplane and in the process of ferrying the airplane back to his residence, located on the west coast. Additionally, the pilot stated that he test flew the airplane the day prior for 0.7 hours. Since the engine had new cylinders installed, the pilot reported that he operated the engine at "full throttle" during that flight. The flight was uneventful and after the flight the pilot refueled the aircraft to determine fuel flow at "full throttle." He calculated the engine fuel consumption at 6 gallons per hour and planned the next day's flight according to this fuel burn.

On June 18, at 0730 the pilot departed SCD and after flying approximately 175-nautical miles en route to HEE, the pilot reported the engine started to lose power. The pilot attempted to restore engine power, but was not successful. During the forced landing, the airplane collided with trees on the crest of a hill and slid to the ground. The pilot was unable to exit the airplane until rescuers found him 2 days later, on the afternoon of June 20.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The Zodiac 601XL airplane is an all-metal 2-place, fixed tricycle landing gear, low-wing airplane, which the builder assembles from a manufactured kit. N20370 met the criteria for, and was registered as an Experimental, Light Sport Airplane. The FAA operating limitations issued for this airplane restricted the first 40-hours of flight time (Phase 1 flight test) to be conducted within a 25-mile radius of SCD. A review of the airplane's maintenance logbook revealed that an entry regarding Phase 1 flight test completion was not entered.

The accident airplane was powered by a Lycoming O-235 series engine, rated at 115 horsepower. The airplane's total fuel capacity was established at 24-gallons.

The homebuilt aircraft was reportedly sold to the pilot with 10.1 hours on the airframe.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for single-engine land. The pilot possessed a valid drivers license meeting the requirements of a sport pilot medical.

The pilot submitted a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1) that indicated an estimated total flight time of 250-hours. The pilot reported having logged 6.5-hours in the last 90 days, and 3.5-in the last 30 days. 5.5-hours were logged in the same and model. A review of the pilot's logbook did not reveal any flight time was logged for the period between October 16, 2002 and March 24, 2007. The 6.5 hours, which included a March 2007 checkout in a Zodiac 601XL, were the only entries logged over the previous 4 years. Additionally, there was no record of a current "biennial" flight review.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The aircraft came to rest inverted on a steep slope in a heavily wooded area. The empennage was rotated nearly 180 degrees so the vertical stab was pointing nearly upwards. Both wings were heavily damaged.

TESTS AND RESEARCH

The wreckage was recovered to a secure storage facility. On July 24, 2007, an inspection of the engine and airframe was conducted. All components of the engine were inspected and no pre-impact discrepancies were noted. The airplane fuel tanks were ruptured and no fuel was found in the fuel lines and no fuel stains were found on the aircraft's exterior. The airplane's "Hobbs" meter read 12.9 hours.

A review of a Lycoming O-235 operator's manual dated January 1988, showed a fuel consumption rate of 6 gallons per hour at about the 66% rated power setting. Per the manual and at full throttle, the engine could have consumed as much as 10.6 gallons per hour. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.

At 0853 an automated weather reporting facility at the Tupelo Regional Airport (TUP) reported winds 200 degrees and 6 knots, visibility 7 statute miles, skies clear, temperature 78 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 69 degrees Fahrenheit, and barometric pressure of 30.06 inches of Mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.